Meet '2026 World Cup's least-known player' who gained 4.9 million followers after viral challenge

New Zealand footballer Tim Payne met Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini (El Scarso) after Scarsini asked his followers to boost Payne's Instagram account, calling him the 'least known' player at the 2026 World Cup. Payne went from 4,000 to 4.9 million followers in a week. The two met at New Zealand's training camp in Florida, where Payne thanked Scarsini and said it shines a light on New Zealand football while he remains focused on performing for his country.